An early Middlesbrough goal could turn Villa Park into a house of pain for beleaguered Aston Villa this evening.

That's the view of Villa reporter Gregg Evans, of the Birmingham Mail, who says Steve Bruce is well aware of the mounting pressure on his shoulders.

Pre-season favourites for promotion, it's been a difficult start for Villa - who've drawn four of their opening six matches - and may be a tad fortunate to have earned six points so far given a sequence of underwhelming performances.

So ahead of Boro's trip to the Midlands, we caught up with Villa expert Evans to get an insight into the mood inside the opposition camp.

Here's what he said:

A start which nobody expected

“It’s been a disappointing start to the season for Villa, with six points from six games, and that’s not what anybody expected

“Steve Bruce has actually matched Roberto di Matteo’s record at this point from last season, and that run of form cost the Italian his job at the beginning of October.

“So Bruce knows this is a big evening for Villa, and a big month. They have to build some momentum in September - starting tonight against Boro.

Steve Bruce had plenty to ponder following his side's goalless draw with Brentford